Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Airbus Helicopters is unveiling the U145, an uncrewed version of the H145 light twin, this week at the ILA Berlin airshow. The U145 full-scale mockup at ILA will highlight the rotorcraft’s cargo-carrying capabilities, eliminating the cockpit and incorporating an integrated nose door, a foldable loading table, and a dedicated cargo floor.
To achieve uncrewed and autonomous flight, Airbus Helicopters is equipping the U145 with a specialized sensor suite and AI capabilities. Plans call for a first flight, with a safety pilot onboard, at the end of 2026 and entry into service early in the 2030s.
The U145 will be Airbus Helicopters’ second uncrewed helicopter converted from a crewed version. The first is the VSR700, an uncrewed version of the piston-powered Guimbal Cabri G2.
A U.S. version of the U145 is also under development by Airbus U.S. Space &amp; Defense with partners Shield AI, L3Harris, and Parry Labs. This will be the MQ-72C, an autonomous variant of the Lakota UH-72B.
“With the U145, we are offering our customers an autonomous, uncrewed version of our H145 helicopter, combining the proven airframe, power, and useful load of the H145 with the autonomy of a UAS,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot. “To develop the U145 and its capabilities as a multi-mission UAS, we will be teaming up with leading autonomous mission partners to further expand the UAS ecosystem in Europe.”

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Airbus H145 Joining Uncrewed, Autonomous Helicopter Arena

First flight is expected at the end of 2026 and entry into service in the early 2030s

To achieve uncrewed and autonomous flight, Airbus Helicopters is equipping the U145 with a specialized sensor suite and AI capabilities.

Airbus H145 Joining Uncrewed Helicopter Arena

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

System tracks and shares information with all appropriate parties

Helicopter Express Picks TracPlus Mission Platform

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Company commits approximately £15 million to the project

Leonardo Opens 10th UK Location at Elstree Aerodrome

Charlotte Bailey

French Sécurité Civile helicopters unit transitioning to Airbus H145D3 models

France’s Dragon Firefighters Get New Airbus H145D3 Helicopters

Kerry Lynch

Asia-Pacific and Middle East/Africa accounted for 40% of Rotortrade’s business in 2025

Rotortrade Sees Business Boom in APAC, Middle East

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Japanese companies say 100 air taxis could be operational around Osaka in 2035

SkyDrive Consortium Eyes Commercial eVTOL Services By 2028

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Medical helicopters could adopt antimicrobial blue light technology 

Airbus and Lindo Explore HEMS Cabin Disinfection

Upgrade swaps C20B engine for more powerful C30

MD Helicopters Receives STC for Engine Upgrade Kit

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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